Poll: Should Parades Roll? Gemini Meets Tonight
Members of the Krewe of Gemini will get together this evening to talk about all of the possible options for the parade in the spring. The general meeting of the membership is set for 6pm at the Gemini Den on East Texas in Bossier City.
Some precautions are being taken. Here is the statement on the Krewe of Gemini Facebook Page:
In keeping with the Governor’s mandate, if we exceed 50 people indoors, the meeting will be moved outside in the shade. We will accommodate everyone the best we can to keep you as cool as possible and we will make it as short a meeting as we can. Masks are encouraged.
“Social Distancing Hour” will begin at 5:30pm and the meeting will begin at 6pm.
Earlier this summer, leaders of the Krewe of Gemini addressed the planning for the 2021 parade. Co-captains James Purdy and Chris Stansell said "We are continuing to carry out this Parade Year as though we are in ‘normalcy. We feel that it is easier to cancel an event, if and when the time is needed, than to rush to prepare for one and not give the Ark-La-Tex the best possible event we can. So, with this being said, Gemini is continuing with making arrangements for parties and its 32nd Annual Parade.”
The NWLA Mardi Gras Association has encouraged all Krewes to cancel balls and parties leading up to the parades because of the risk of spreading COVID-19. But the Association did not call for cancelling or postponing the parades.
Since that time, the Krewe of Centaur has announced they are postponing the parade because they can not get a permit from the city for the parade while our state is still under Phase 2 restrictions. That put a burden on the riders who generally begin ordering beads and other supplies now.
The Krewe of Harambe also announced they are canceling their parade.
The Krewe of Gemini is scheduled to roll on February 13th, but the members of the Krewe could make a decision on that during tonight's meeting.
Leaders say the health and safety of the public and Krewe Members is a top priority.